LAS VEGAS, Nev. — International Truck and Engine Corp. has improved its manufacturing ability at its Garland, Tex. assembly plant with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art paint process.

The new automated system includes eight painting robots and four door opening robots for maximum efficiency. These new additions will speed up the painting process by more than 33 per cent.

“The automated process provides a finer, more controlled spray for a smoother finish,” said Leroy Brooks, corporate finishing manager with International Trucks and Engine. “Controlled application of the various coats of paint film helps in the durability of the paint finish, providing our customers with a finish that keeps its appearance and protects the trucks longer.”

International will continue to use the same base coat and clear-coat materials. The company offers virtually any colour a customer requests, but Brooks said the most popular paint choices for International Severe Service trucks are, in order of popularity: white, red, orange, yellow and green.

The Garland Assembly Plant is home to International’s Severe Service trucks, the new PAYSTAR Series, the International 7000 series and the International 8000 series. The plant is also home to a unique In-Process Validation (IPV) system, controlled by quality coordinators on the plant floor. The IPV process uses “voice of the customer” information, warranty data and customer reviews to continually correct and prevent quality issues with trucks during the assembly process.